Top, Bailey44 (thrifted); pants, BR (thrifted); shoes, Calvin Klein; necklace, J. Crew Factory; bag, YSL (via eBay)
Top, Bailey44 (thrifted); pants, BR (thrifted); shoes, Calvin Klein; necklace, J. Crew Factory; bag, YSL (via eBay)

Casual Friday is a thing at my new job (yay!) but I gave up the opportunity to wear jeans in favour of this slightly dressier combo during my first week. I *could* have worn this top with jeans, but I wanted to try a slightly more polished combination for its inaugural outing. This new-to-me top is the first Bailey44 piece that I’ve successfully thrifted. I have spotted the brand before, but nothing that worked for me style- or quality-wise. This piece was a bit crumpled but otherwise in stellar shape. The colorblocking makes it quite versatile for mixing and matching, and the triangle shape has a lovely bit of swish to it, plus a high comfort factor. It’s definitely a keeper.

navy, white & olive
navy, white & olive
dressy tank
dressy tank

I even sprung for professional dry cleaning for it, which cost me a whopping $12 (almost double the thrift price of the top), because I liked it that much and didn’t want to take any chances cleaning it myself. Better safe than sorry but … ouch. I totally get why people would want to avoid clothes that require dry cleaning; the cost of maintenance can get out of control very quickly. I will say that, with the exception of very delicate silk pieces like this top, my Woolite home dry cleaning kit works very well in terms of refreshing clothes. I am looking to invest into a steamer next, which would complete my home laundering arsenal. If anyone has recommendations, especially in the under-$200 range, please leave them in the comments. Bonus points if it’s something I can Amazon Prime. Convenience is my middle name. One of them, anyway.

casual Friday
casual Friday

11 Comments on Casual-Ish

  1. Love this top!
    I use a Jiffy steamer, similar to this, but with a brass head – https://www.eddies.com/products/search/eyJyZXN1bHRfcGFnZSI6InByb2R1Y3RzXC9zZWFyY2hcLyIsImtleXdvcmRzIjoiamlmZnkifQ/Jiffy-Steamer-Model-J-2-199500

    That one is from Eddie’s, which I believe has an Edmonton location.
    Having said that, all my kids got used to using it, but weren’t prepared with cost or space for the same, so I gifted them these from Amazon, which are SURPRISINGLY good and use regular tap water.

    https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00M1A9L0W/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00ORC2Z2S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    • I know but I still get really nervous with pieces that are solid colour. With prints, if there are any weird water marks or colour bleeding or whatever then it’s easier to camouflage. I should be braver … but I really love this top too much to take the risk.

  2. What lipstick are you wearing here? I am a redhead of similar coloring and love this lip color!

  3. another vote for the Jiffy! I’ve had one for a few years now and love it. I resell, so lots of use 🙂